Today, I welcome author and #LGBTQwrimo and QWriters host Amara Lynn to Queering Up Your Bookshelf to talk about their m/m superhero/villain romance, Masks, being inspired by the thought of “I can do this, except gay” (samesies, by the way!), nonbinary representation, their publishing journey, and more.

Welcome, Amara! Happy reading!

Amara Lynn has always been a quiet daydreamer. Coming up with characters and worlds since childhood, Amara eventually found an outlet in writing. Amara loves anything to do with pirates, villains and superheroes, angels and demons.

Amara is addicted to music and gets the most inspiration from moving songs and lyrics. When not writing, Amara usually reads, listens to podcasts, watches anime, plays a video game here and there (but mostly collects them), and takes way too many cat pictures.

Find Amara online:

What is your writing origin story?

I always feel really silly when I tell people this, but the reason I took up writing seriously was because of Twilight. After I read it, I thought, "I could do this, except gay." I stopped writing my bad fanfic I'd been dabbling in, and original work. I filled up these pocket notebooks with my gay vampire story, and it was so addicting. At some point, I'd like to revisit those vampires.

What has your publishing journey been like so far? Any ups and downs you’d care to share?

Publishing thus far has been kinda weird for me. I never actually thought this silly story about a villain would be accepted, but it was. I still think I might not have been ready. The low point so far has been that I had to rewrite that story into something coherent in four weeks, so that was fun. There's been a few more downs, but as far as ups I think finally deciding to self publish.

What does representation mean to you and how does it feature in your writing?

Representation means so much to me since realizing I was nonbinary. I want all the nonbinary characters! Most of the characters I've made lately are nonbinary so you have that to look forward to!

What are some of your favorite tropes (or ways to subvert them) when it comes to hero/villain stories?

I love forbidden/ill-fated relationships (but with happy endings!). I'm big on hero/villain stories, but the twist in my book Masks is that it's from the villain's point of view. I'm also a sucker for first love and fluff.

What is your writing process?

I usually start out with a premise or what if, then make and name my characters, then brainstorming and making notes. Once I feel like I have the whole story I start writing it all out!

What is your best piece of writing advice?

Don't worry about whether your story is good enough while you’re writing it. Just write!

What are your writing rituals? Do you listen to specific music, write in a specific place, have specific writing-related habits, etc?

I have to have music! I'm a music addict, but a very unorganized one. I usually write at my desk, though I've been known to write on my phone when inspiration strikes...

What is your favorite thing about the queer writing community?

I love that the queer writing specifically is just so welcoming and supportive.

What was your favorite character or scene you’ve written recently?

I had a lot of fun with my magic fluffy f/f writing this festival scene!

What are you currently working on? What’s next for you?

Right now I'm trying (and failing) to write a solarpunk winter story. I'm also preparing for the release of book two of Masks on March 26th!

Avari has always been a social outcast, which is just fine by him; he has superhuman abilities and hates people. But his lab partner Chayton keeps being so friendly, and Avari can't stop staring at his alluring smile.

When he loses control of his abilities, Avari is faced with a startling revelation about himself—one that's both thrilling and dangerous. As Avari seeks to understand Chayton, he finds himself coming out of his shell, and his connection with Chayton grows deeper.

Meanwhile, a mysterious adversary appears who may hold answers to who Avari really is. Fueled by his curiosity, Avari continues his path of destruction—but he can't help wonder if his secrets will tear apart his shaky new bond with Chayton.